President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza by Saturday noon or face a renewed conflict. Trump's comments, made as Israel and Hamas maintain a precarious ceasefire, signaled a hardening of his stance on the crisis. He also doubled down on his controversial plan for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, sparking condemnation from Arab nations.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Washington.
Trump said the final decision would be up to Israel, saying, “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.” But asked if the U.S. would join in a response to Hamas if hostages weren't freed, Trump added, "Hamas will find out what I mean.” Arab nations have sharply criticized the Trump proposal, and Trump is set to host Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday. In addition to concerns about jeopardizing the long-held goals of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Egypt and Jordan have privately raised security concerns about welcoming large numbers of additional refugees into their countries even temporarily.
Speaking of the condition of the remaining hostages, Trump told reporters Monday that he feared Hamas had released the hostages in the best condition and that many scheduled for release are gravely ill or already dead. “Based on what I saw over the past two days, they’re not going to be alive for long," he said.
ISRAEL HAMAS CEASEFIRE HOSTAGES TRUMP GAZA MIDDLE EAST US FOREIGN POLICY
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